RUN thanks Senator Evans for his commitment to regional universities

The outgoing Minister for Tertiary Education, Science, Skills, and Research, Senator Chris Evans, showed a real commitment to regional universities, according to the Regional Universities Network.

RUN Chair Professor David Battersby thanked the outgoing Minister for his contribution.

“RUN acknowledges that the Minister served during a difficult period of fiscal constraint for the Government but that he strongly defended the higher education budget during this time,” Professor Battersby said.

“Senator Evans recognised the importance of higher education in regional Australia and the contribution that regional universities make to the economic, social, cultural and environmental development of their regions. Improved indexation, the successful implementation of the demand driven system and commitment to equity and access programs were delivered. All contribute to making the best use of regional human capital.

“RUN warmly congratulates Chris Bowen on his appointment to the portfolio. The reforms he implemented as Minister for Immigration and Citizenship to the student visa processing system will help the international student market in Australia. They are a great introduction to his responsibility for tertiary education more broadly.

“We look forward to meeting and working with the new Minister and his office, and conveying RUN’s policy ideas on how the contribution that regional universities make to the nation can be enhanced,” Professor Battersby said.